Kau Tapen Lodge sits on the middle Rio Grande in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, home to the most consistent trophy Sea Trout fishing on earth. This is where records are made, with fish averaging 8 to 14lb and regular chances at 20lb or more during every week of the season.
The lodge controls 12 miles of private double-bank water on the Rio Grande and 8 miles of the Menendez River, shared by only six to twelve anglers each week. With two anglers per guide, the focus is always on quality and detail. Veteran guides know every pool and run, providing coaching that sharpens technique and keeps you connected to the fish.
The water is diverse, with pools, channels and technical runs that reward precise casting and presentation. Whether swinging large flies in heavy winds or sight-casting in low, clear conditions, every cast carries the potential for a world-class fish. The variety of water and conditions keeps you engaged from the first cast to the last.
After a full day, return to the comfort of Kau Tapen. The lodge combines ensuite rooms with warm Argentinian hospitality, fine dining and carefully selected wines. Vehicle access to all beats keeps time on the river maximised, so more of each day is spent fishing rather than travelling.
Book your trip today and experience Kau Tapen Lodge with Sportquest Holidays. It remains the benchmark for Sea Trout fishing worldwide and the destination where anglers come to realise their Rio Grande dream.
The season runs from December to April.
Season: December to April
Peak: January to March
Weight: 5lb to 35lb
Average Weight: 8.5lb
Season: December to April
Peak: January to March
Weight: 1lb to 6lb
Average Weight: 2.5lb
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Buenos Aires
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Buenos Aires
Depart: TBA
Arrive: Ezeiza International Airport
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport to Jorge Newbery Internal Airport
Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport to Jorge Newbery Internal Airport
Once you’ve arrived in Buenos Aires and collected your bags, you’ll need to arrange a taxi (not included) for the short transfer to Jorge Newbery Airport, where you’ll catch your domestic flight.
Depart Buenos Aires - Arrive Ushuaia
Depart Buenos Aires - Arrive Ushuaia
Depart: Jorge Newbery Airpark
Arrive: Ushuaia Airport
Transfer from Ushuaia Airport to your overnight hotel
Transfer from Ushuaia Airport to your overnight hotel
Once you’ve landed in Ushuaia and collected your bags, you’ll be transferred to your overnight hotel. From there, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax, explore the local area, enjoy a bite to eat, and unwind before your fishing adventure begins.
Ushuaia Standard Hotel
Overnight Accommodation
Ushuaia Standard Hotel in a Single Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Travel from your overnight hotel to Kau Tapen Lodge
Travel from your overnight hotel to Kau Tapen Lodge
After breakfast, at around 9.00am, a representative from Kau Tapen will collect you and transfer you to the lodge, a journey of approximately three hours. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with cocktails and introduced to the whole Kau Tapen team.
The remainder of the day is yours to relax, settle in, and get your gear ready for the exciting week of fishing ahead.
Kau Tapen Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Kau Tapen Lodge in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
Your first two days of fishing will allow you to experience wetting a fly on the world-renowned Rio Grande. The lodge controls over 13 miles of fishing on both banks of this famous waterway, and with only six angers per week, it offers a vast array of opportunities.
Each day, you can expect to fish for around nine hours, split into two sessions; the morning session takes you up to midday, and then there will be the late afternoon session fishing into the dark. The fishery is split like this to avoid the midday sun and take advantage of the most productive feeding times.
Kau Tapen Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Kau Tapen Lodge in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
On fishing days three and four, you, your buddy, and your guide will explore more of the beautiful Rio Grande. All the fishing is based on two anglers and one guide per beat, and with four to eight pools per beat, there’s plenty of water.
Kau Tapens veteran guides will rotate with you through all beats throughout your week while offering expert advice to help you maximise your holiday.
Kau Tapen Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Kau Tapen Lodge in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
Your last two fishing days can be a great time to try and target one of the bigger fish the river is famous for. Studies show that the Sea Run Browns in the Rio Grande are about 17% heavier than other sea trout of the same length, and with low predation, biologically rich salt water, and a strict catch and release policy, the fish have thrived.
The lodge has set five world records for Sea Trout and fish in the 27lb to 35lb bracket get caught each season. The lodge can also boast that a 20lb Sea Trout is the standard every week.
Kau Tapen Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Kau Tapen Lodge in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Travel from Kau Tapen Lodge to Rio Grande Airport
Travel from Kau Tapen Lodge to Rio Grande Airport
At approximately 8.00am, after you’ve packed your bags and checked out, you’ll be transferred back to Rio Grande airport for your journey home.
The drive to the airport takes around 30 minutes.
Depart Rio Grande - Arrive Buenos Aires
Depart Rio Grande - Arrive Buenos Aires
Depart: Gobernador Ramón Trejo Noel International Airport
Arrive: Jorge Newbery Airpark
Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport to your overnight hotel
Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport to your overnight hotel
Once you’ve landed in Buenos Aires and collected your luggage, you’ll need to take a taxi (not included) to your overnight hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to relax, unwind, or explore the vibrant culture, cuisine, and charm of this beautiful city.
Buenos Aires Standard Hotel
Overnight Accommodation
Buenos Aires Standard Hotel in a Single Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Transfer from your overnight hotel to Buenos Aires Airport
Transfer from your overnight hotel to Buenos Aires Airport
Depending on your international flight schedule, be sure to allow enough time to take a taxi (not included) back to Buenos Aires Airport for your journey home. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure.
Depart Buenos Aires - Arrive Any international airport
Depart Buenos Aires - Arrive Any international airport
Depart: Ezeiza International Airport
Arrive: TBA
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Prices are shown per person and are based on single rooms and two anglers per guide unless stated otherwise. All prices are accurate at the time of publication but may vary slightly depending on factors such as travel dates, booking time, airline pricing, or fuel surcharges set by the operators.
Flights are always priced at the most competitive rates available at the time of enquiry to ensure you receive the best possible value when booking.
Proudly an ATOL bonded company, our trips are complete packages, including all flights, transfers, accommodation, and fantastic fishing and shooting experiences.
| From | To | Days | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/01/2027 | 17/01/2027 | 10 | £15,389 | Sold Out |
| 15/01/2027 | 24/01/2027 | 10 | £15,389 | Enquire |
| 22/01/2027 | 31/01/2027 | 10 | £15,389 | Enquire |
| 29/01/2027 | 07/02/2027 | 10 | £15,389 | Enquire |
| 05/02/2027 | 14/02/2027 | 10 | £15,389 | Enquire |
| 12/02/2027 | 21/02/2027 | 10 | £15,389 | Sold Out |
| 19/02/2027 | 28/02/2027 | 10 | £15,389 | Sold Out |
| 26/02/2027 | 07/03/2027 | 10 | £15,389 | Enquire |
| 05/03/2027 | 14/03/2027 | 10 | £15,389 | Enquire |
| 12/03/2027 | 21/03/2027 | 10 | £15,389 | Sold Out |
| 19/03/2027 | 28/03/2027 | 10 | £13,789 | Sold Out |
| 26/03/2027 | 04/04/2027 | 10 | £13,789 | Sold Out |
| 02/04/2027 | 11/04/2027 | 10 | £13,736 | Sold Out |
| 07/01/2028 | 16/01/2028 | 10 | £16,014 | Enquire |
| 14/01/2028 | 23/01/2028 | 10 | £16,014 | Enquire |
| 21/01/2028 | 30/01/2028 | 10 | £16,014 | Enquire |
| 28/01/2028 | 06/02/2028 | 10 | £16,014 | Enquire |
| 04/02/2028 | 13/02/2028 | 10 | £16,014 | Enquire |
| 11/02/2028 | 20/02/2028 | 10 | £16,014 | Enquire |
| 18/02/2028 | 27/02/2028 | 10 | £16,014 | Enquire |
| 25/02/2028 | 05/03/2028 | 10 | £16,014 | Enquire |
| 03/03/2028 | 12/03/2028 | 10 | £16,014 | Enquire |
| 10/03/2028 | 19/03/2028 | 10 | £16,014 | Enquire |
| 17/03/2028 | 26/03/2028 | 10 | £16,014 | Enquire |
| 24/03/2028 | 02/04/2028 | 10 | £14,334 | Enquire |
| 31/03/2028 | 09/04/2028 | 10 | £14,281 | Enquire |
If your preferred week or travel dates do not appear in the calendar above, please get in touch. Many lodges release availability in stages, and some dates depend on tides, seasons, guide schedules, or short-notice changes. By speaking with us directly, you will receive the most up to date availability and clear guidance on securing the strongest options before popular weeks fill.
Enquire now and we will check live availability for the dates you are considering.
Our ATOL protection, means you have financial security on your booking.
All our destinations are thoroughly researched by our team of experts.
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible.
We offer complete holiday packages, making booking a holiday simple.
"All aspects of my Kau Tapen experience were excellent. Just spending time by a river like Rio Grande with true fly fishing enthusiasts like the guides I had the pleasure to meet.... and if you then add the monster trout and the atmosphere of the "House of fishing" I could not get closer to my fly fishing heaven."
"I was part of a group of 6 anglers from the UK and our visit to Kau Tapen was one to be remember for a very long time. Our guides and the lodge staff took such good care of everyone.
First class lodge, fist class operation
Should be on every anglers bucket list."
"A huge thank you to all the staff and guides, amazing food and fishing.
Already saving the pennies"
"An exeptional holiday and destination.
One has travelled to many places, but some stand out above the rest. Kay Tapen will go down in our minds as one such destination.
A big thank you from both me and our team."
"First class service and first class holidays. I have given Sportquest and the whole holiday top marks in EVERY level."
"What a place and what a river. We would urge anyone who likes their fly fishing to visit Kau Tapen.
Our trip was first class and one that should be repeated each day.
Next time we would take a bit more time to relax in BA on the way out as the flights are long."
"For us as we have now visited a few time Kau Tapen is our second home. Everyone makes us feel so welcome its hard not to feel like we all belong there.
The Rio Grande is an amazing river to fish, it can have some moody days and sometimes the fish can be hard. It is the challenge of the fishing that makes it so interesting."
The stunning, world-renowned Kau Tapen lodge built in 1984, Kau Tapen Lodge was designed to offer rods maximum comfort during their fishing trips and easy access to the best pools on the world-famous Rio Grande. It accommodates ten guests (and occasionally 12) in en-suite single rooms to ensure privacy and comfort. The lodge has ten en-suite single rooms; some offer a king bed, while some have one queen, and others furnished with two doubles. A large living room opens up to peaceful vistas of the Menendez and Rio Grande valleys and includes a roaring fire and a well-stocked bar. The lodge also boasts a tackle shop with an excellent selection of Sage rods, quality fly reels, flies, lines, Patagonia clothing, and other fishing essentials. Also, guests have full use of the lodge’s fly-tying table and equipment. Additional Kau Tapen highlights include two wading/fly gear rooms, a full spa with a jacuzzi, a sauna and a Finnish steam bath.
At Kau Tapen lodge, the kitchens come to life by using fresh and regionally representative meats and produce. By combining these elements, we create delicious flavours and varied textures that harbour hidden stories and package traditions on each plate. A top-notch team of experienced national and international chefs, trained in both classic and avant-garde culinary techniques, execute our food. With an artisan’s touch, chefs prepare every dish from scratch to be served at a minute’s notice. At Kau Tapen lodge, you’ll enjoy fresh pasta and fire-roasted meats like our famous Patagonian lamb, roasted gaucho-style over charcoal embers, alongside ocean-fresh flavours such as King crab. And don’t forget to save room for dessert. From homemade ice creams to classic sweets and pastries, we have you covered. Finally, we feel that the food we serve and the wines we pour should mirror the sporting opportunities we offer. And wines from Bodega Catena Zapata blend perfectly. These are renowned wines that compete on the world stage. They hold a special place in the local culture, and they are proud to serve them to you.
Kau Tapen Lodge is as famous as the Rio Grande river on which it sits, considering it was also the first Sea Trout lodge on this river initially set up back in 1984. Kau Tapen translates to ‘House of Fishing’ in the local language, and over the years, it certainly has lived up to its name. So many customers have visited this stunning lodge, fished the river and relaxed, chatting about the monsters they both caught and the ones that got away, all over a few nice glasses of Malbec Wine. What makes Kau Tapen so unique as a fishing lodge? Apart from it has over 32 years of experience and has set a level of excellence that other lodges are measured. It offers the most pools per angler per day, only two anglers and their guide per beat and four to eight pools per beat, different beats every morning and evening. That’s a lot of water to cover each day! The lodge has managed to put 5 world records for Sea Trout, fish in the 27lb to 35lb mark are caught each season, and the lodge can boast that 20lb Sea Trout is standard every week of the season.
Kau Tapen Lodge only typically hosts 10 anglers per week but occasionally 12, and it is a real testament to just how good the operation is when we have an 80% return rate. If you are looking for first-class Sea Trout fishing on the famous Rio Grande River and wish for serious opportunities to catch 20lb Sea Trout, you will fall in love with this destination.
Kau Tapen lodge can is found nestled in the Rio Grande Valley in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. This great river flows from west to east, from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, through approximately 60 miles of Argentine territory. Tierra del Fuego’s rugged landscape is like something more found in Scotland’s lowlands, with them being very stark but remaining stunning on the eye. The population in this area is very sparse. Still, you will come across many sheep farming estancias, large herds of Llama like Guanacos, and a large population of Condors will soar above while you peacefully go about your business. It is easy to get to Kau Tapen it’s only a short 3-hour flight from Buenos Aries followed by a 50 min car transfer where our hosts will be awaiting your arrival with some very welcoming cocktails.
There’s no more inviting destination on earth for chasing large Sea Run Brown Trout than on the Rio Grande. The success of the fishery is a modern-day fisherman’s Cinderella story. In just a decade, through access control and catch and release regulations, average catch rates have risen from less than a fish a day in the early ’80s to multiple fish per day, per person, today.
The massive Rio Grande meanders across the landscape, creating undercut banks where large Sea trout just love to lie to keep out of the sunlight. Generally, the Rio Grande’s Sea Trout seem to lie near cut banks during the middle of the day, though in low water, they will also lie in the faster necks of pools. They typically move into these areas during early morning, evening, and nighttime hours. A good rule is, “Tails in the morning and heads at night.” This often means the best fishing is found in the mornings and evenings; therefore, expect your days to begin early and end at the last light.
While fly fishing the Rio Grande for Sea Trout, you can, and it is best to fish with a wide range of techniques. Sea Trout are moody creatures, so a large Sea trout might demand that a fly be fed to it on the bottom one hour but rise to a skating fly the next. One thing to remember is water levels do affect fishing, and they tend to drop week by week as the season progresses slowly. As you fish, the different beats and pools vary your presentations in each pool fished until you find the right formula of fly, line, drift or swing, and retrieve. Also, heed your guide’s advice, whose primary aim is to recommend methods that will help you hook and bring more fish to the net.
Remember, Sea Trout in the Rio Grande are big, where the average-sized brown is around 12lb to 20lb. This is a place where catching a trophy-sized Sea Trout could happen any day of the week. Watch some of our YouTube Videos about Kau Tapen
Unlike many stories you may have been told about fly fishing in Patagonia, the fishing is easily manageable. At Kau Tapen, they have access to over 13 miles of the middle section of the river, which provides accessible wading opportunities on both banks. The wind when Sea Trout fishing is your friend; it disturbs the water and makes the Sea Trout more settled and willing to take your fly. Remember, the waves’ noise on the water helps to disguise heavy wading or a bad cast, and with access to both banks, we can position you with the wind on your back. Access to rivers is everything. With Kau Tapens well-maintained vehicles, you will get to spend more time fishing with only, on average, a 15-minute drive to some of the furthest away beats.
Each day you can expect to fish around 9 hours split into two sessions; there is the morning session taking you up to midday, then there will the late afternoon session fishing into the dark. The fishing is split like this to avoid the midday sun and take advantage of the most productive feeding times. In the morning session, after a good hearty breakfast, you will depart around 9 am fishing up to midday, where you will then return to the lodge for lunch, drinks and an afternoon siesta. Late in the afternoon, you will be taken back out, and then you will fish into the dark hours, taking full advantage of the more productive feeding spells.
The Rio Grande season starts in late December as the Sea Trout begin to enter the river in small numbers. However, for the travelling angler, fishing starts typically at the beginning of January. This is when considerable and reliable numbers of Sea Trout begin to enter the system. January, February and March are peak months for fresh, bright chrome Sea Trout. We open for customers to fish right up to the middle of April.
All the guides at Kau Tapen Lodge are first-class professional guides from Argentina and other international locations. Each guide has its unique approach to fishing and guiding on a rotational basis. You will get to benefit from each guides knowledge. They will be equipped with nets and will assist guests with weighing and releasing their catches. All the guides at Kau Tapen Lodge are available for casting instructions for both single and double-handed casting.
All aspects of my Kau Tapen experience were excellent. Just spending time by a river like Rio Grande with true fly fishing enthusiasts like the guides I had the pleasure to meet.... and if you then add the monster trout and the atmosphere of the "House of fishing" I could not get closer to my fly fishing heaven.
Thank you so so much for travelling with us and taking the time to complete your customer feedback. Great comments that we will pass on to everyone.
Regards Mel
I was part of a group of 6 anglers from the UK and our visit to Kau Tapen was one to be remember for a very long time. Our guides and the lodge staff took such good care of everyone.
First class lodge, fist class operation
Should be on every anglers bucket list.
Thank you for taking the time to complete our destination review. So good to hear that you and your group had such an amazing time.
Tight Lines
A huge thank you to all the staff and guides, amazing food and fishing.
Already saving the pennies
Todd, we will pass on all our kind comments
An exeptional holiday and destination.
One has travelled to many places, but some stand out above the rest. Kay Tapen will go down in our minds as one such destination.
A big thank you from both me and our team.
Wow thank you for taking the time to complete our destination review, so glad you feel so highly about the destination. Our customers seem to love every trip.
First class service and first class holidays. I have given Sportquest and the whole holiday top marks in EVERY level.
Wow Bayaraa what can we say 100% in ever level, thanks for that and yes we will sort out your place for next season. Kind Regards Mel
What a place and what a river. We would urge anyone who likes their fly fishing to visit Kau Tapen.
Our trip was first class and one that should be repeated each day.
Next time we would take a bit more time to relax in BA on the way out as the flights are long.
Tarquin, we would agree with you plus BA is a nice city to spend some time with some great restaurants. However we also realise for some people time is an issue and they wish to fly out to the destination as quick as possible. Thats one advantage that we offer as we do tailor all itineraries to suit each customers requirements.
For us as we have now visited a few time Kau Tapen is our second home. Everyone makes us feel so welcome its hard not to feel like we all belong there.
The Rio Grande is an amazing river to fish, it can have some moody days and sometimes the fish can be hard. It is the challenge of the fishing that makes it so interesting.
Lance, thank you for taking the time to complete our destination review. I agree the river is an amazing place to fish.
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